AZE.US
Prices for several types of beef and lamb have increased in Baku over the past month, with the sharpest rises affecting boneless beef and meat from young, lower-weight lambs.
Butchers across the capital said beef with the bone currently sells for about 18 manats per kilogram, while boneless beef is priced between 20 and 25 manats, depending on the cut and the retailer.
Some sellers warned that beef prices could rise further if the current trend continues.
Young lamb has become significantly more expensive. Meat from lambs weighing about 10 to 13 kilograms is now being offered for 26 to 30 manats per kilogram.
Despite the higher price, butchers say these smaller lambs remain the most popular among buyers.
Meat from larger lambs is generally cheaper, selling for around 18 to 22 manats per kilogram, but demand is lower.
Sellers link the latest price increase to higher animal feed costs and rising expenses associated with livestock farming.
Economist Khalid Kerimli said another major factor is the decline in the number of animals being raised in the country.
According to Kerimli, meat consumption in Azerbaijan has increased by about 25% over the past decade.
At the same time, pasture areas have declined and livestock farming has become more expensive. Smaller household farms are playing a reduced role in production, while larger intensive farms face higher operating costs.
Other factors cited include a decline in imports of lower-cost meat, rising transportation expenses and the economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Market participants do not expect a significant decline in meat prices in the near term if current supply and production conditions remain unchanged.
AZE.US